We love Miami for its vibrant culture, art and history. But it’s no secret that living here also costs a pretty penny. And visiting museums can get pricey too. But there are still tons of free museums throughout the city to visit, so if you’re on a bit of a budget but you want to see paintings and sculptures, this list will certainly help!
Here, we’ll showcase museums currently offering free entrance at least one day a month as well as other fun and family-friendly activities that you can check out completely free of charge:
1. Pérez Art Museum Miami
Free admission every second Saturday of every month.
Spend your day at PAMM and explore modern and contemporary art from all corners of the world. Exhibitions highlight Miami’s diverse community and pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas. There are also art activities on the museum’s ‘Free Second Saturdays’ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Read more about PAMM here.2. HistoryMiami Museum
Free Family Fun Days the second Saturday of every month.
Learn all about Miami history at HistoryMiami on Family Fun Days where admission is free for all and takes place all day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The theme rotates around current exhibitions or around a national celebration. Registration is required to participate.
Read more about HistoryMiami here.3. The Bass Museum of Art
Free admission on the last Sunday of every month.
Walk through Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum for free and from 2-4 p.m., participating in The Bass’ Family Day. The free program is created to engage families with children of all ages in activities through the arts.
Read more about The Bass here.4. Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami
Entry is donation based on the last Friday of every month from 7-10 p.m.
When you pay the amount you want, MOCA also hosts free jazz in their courtyard (rain or shine) at 8 p.m. Through its exhibits, visitors can expect thought-provoking pieces by under explored art and artists, and lift up diverse voices and stories.
Read more about MOCA here.5. Institute of Contemporary Art
Admission is always free.
ICA Miami is deeply committed to year-round free and open access to innovative large-scale art in the Miami Design District. Ticket reservations are highly recommended for guaranteed entry.
Read more about ICA here.6. Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU
Admission is always free.
Since opening its doors on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in 2008, the museum has provided the community with free access to world-class art that spans cultures and time periods.
Read more about the Frost Art Museum here.7. Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Free admission every first Saturday of every month.
Home to over 40 historic railcars, head on out to GCRM on free admission days from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy locomotives, history, food and fun!
Read more about GCRM here.8. Coral Gables Museum
Free admission every first Friday of the month at 6-10 p.m. for Gallery Nights and every second Saturday of the month for Family Day.
Each month, the Coral Gables Museum hosts free days and nights. On Gallery Nights, you can enjoy live music, their exhibitions and a cocktail bar before heading out to eat in the area for more Friday night plans. On Family Days, you can join the museum for fun arts & crafts, alongside live music and the opportunity to see the exhibits on view.
Read more about the Gables Museum here.9. Lowe Art Museum
Admission is always free.
Tucked away in University of Miami’s campus, the Lowe Art Museum opened in 1952 as Miami’s oldest museum and today holds an extensive collection of western and non-western art.
Read more about the Lowe here.10. Jewish Museum of Florida
Free admission every Saturday
JMOF is the only museum that collects, documents, preserves and interprets more than 250 years of Florida Jewish history. It is housed in two adjacent restored historic buildings that were once synagogues.
Read more about JMOF here.11. The Wolfsonian
Admission is free every Friday from 6-9 p.m., and free for Florida residents
Located in the Art Deco District, The Wolfsonian-FIU explores the inventive and provocative character of the modern world through objects and design.
Read more about The Wolfsonian here.